“It’s none of your damn business,” I snapped.
“It is. You’re under my care. Everything you do is my business.”
The elevator dinged, and Ryder stepped out. He came right to me.
“Ah, I see,” Enzo murmured, eyeing Ryder.
“I’m taking her out for a bit,” Ryder said.
Enzo chuckled softly. “I don’t think you are.”
“I am not asking for your permission. She is coming with me.”
“While she leaves her daughter behind? I think the fuck not.”
“She’s sleeping. She doesn’t wake in the night. I’m only going to the lobby?—”
“You don’t need to explain yourself to him,” Ryder said. “He’s not your guy. You don’t owe him an explanation, nor does he need to grant you permission.”
“You know what? Go.” Enzo backed away. “Dmitri can let you back in if you decide to come back.”
“I’m just getting some air,” I mumbled.
“Then get some air,” Enzo said. “Have fun.”
He walked away and went back into the apartment. Dmitri left, sank onto the couch again, and grabbed the remote.
“Come on,” Ryder said, leading me to the elevator, his hand on my lower back as he guided me. I hobbled into the elevator with him, and the doors closed.
He turned to me and pushed my hair beneath my hoodie and zipped me up all the way.
I stared up at him as he worked. Ryder was really beautiful.
“He’s an asshole,” Ryder murmured as he stared down at me. “Don’t let him get to you.”
I nodded as he backed away, my throat tight.
Enzo may be an asshole, but despite the time and space between us these days, I still did give a damn.
Damn me for that.
39
RYDER
We went out to the SUV Klaus left me to drive. It had blacked-out windows, which was nice, but since we were in the parking garage, I didn’t expect any issues with paparazzi, as I didn’t think they knew where Rosalie was.
“You OK?” I asked gently, taking in the way she seemed to shrink into herself. I didn’t like that. I liked her loud and proud, but clearly something was going on.
She shook her head, her tears falling. I was desperate to reach out and dry them, but I kept my hands to myself.
“Talk to me, Red. Let’s hear it.”
She breathed out and blurted out everything, right down to Cole saying he’d take Ellis.
“He won’t take her. The guys won’t let it happen. I won’t let it happen. No tears, OK?” I gave in and reached out to wipe them off her cheeks.
“Promise?” she choked out.
